The Indirector high-precision branch target injection attacks, discovered by UCSD researchers, target the indirect branch predictor on the latest Intel Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors. These attacks exploit the intricate structures of the indirect branch predictor (IBP) and branch target buffer (BTB) in high-end Intel CPUs, revealing new insights into their inner workings and potential vulnerabilities. The researchers developed high-precision Branch Target Injection (BTI) attacks to violate security boundaries in various scenarios, including breaking Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR).
Intel believes that no further mitigation measures are necessary for the Indirector attacks, as the existing protections in place for Spectre-type attacks are sufficient. However, the UCSD researchers recommend using the Indirect Branch Predictor Barrier (IBPB) more aggressively and enhancing protection for the BPU design to mitigate the Indirector attacks. Implementing these recommendations may come at a significant performance cost.
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In conclusion, the Indirector attacks represent a significant vulnerability in Intel processors that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise security. While UCSD researchers have proposed mitigation strategies, Intel is confident that existing protections are sufficient to address the threat posed by the attacks. It is vital for users to stay informed about security vulnerabilities and take necessary precautions to protect their systems from potential exploitation. By supporting sites like Phoronix, readers can contribute to the dissemination of valuable information that keeps them informed about important developments in the tech industry.
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